Here’s how to learn a new language as quickly as possible

Language teacher, Niko Aktas can express himself in a number of languages. In Switzerland, it is better to speak to people in their mother tongue.

Linda Leuenberger / ch media

Niko Aktas is probably the polyglot person who knows the most languages ​​in Switzerland. At 36, he is capable of holding conversations in German, Swiss-German, English, Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Turkish and Russian. He can also be understood in Slovak, Arabic and Albanian. Additionally, it understands a few other languages, such as Romansh.

Niko Aktas is one of the country’s rare hyperpolyglots. The term comes from the Greek: “poly” means “many” and “glôtta” means “the tongue”. While polyglots speak three or more languages, hyperpolyglots, like Niko Aktas, master more than six.

How does he achieve this? The prerequisite seems to be an affinity for languages ​​– and a lot of dedication. Niko Aktas has now developed a system that helps him and others with language learning. He organizes his career, his living environment, his hobbies, his relationships – his whole life, in fact – around language learning.

You moved to Switzerland more than four years ago. Why precisely in Morat at the time?
Nick’s Act: Switzerland, with its linguistic richness, has always fascinated me. I dreamed of living in a place where I could practice several languages ​​on a daily basis – and what more ideal place than where Röstigraben is located?

You first worked in Murten…
Yes, I had taken charge of night management in a hotel. So, I was in contact not only with locals, but also with tourists. Thanks to my job, I was able to practice French, Italian and English, sometimes even Arabic. I wanted to avoid speaking standard German as much as possible. That’s why, in my free time, I also learned Bernese.

For what? The people there, however, know how to speak standard German.
Yes, but the way people approach you is very different when you speak to them in their language.

Because otherwise they are unpleasant?
“Unpleasant” is not the right word. In my experience, Swiss people are very polite and respectful. But when I speak standard German, some people feel obliged to respond in standard German – which is unusual for them. Suddenly there is a certain formality. I have never been treated badly, but the conversation loses spontaneity. In Swiss German, exchanges are warmer. And it’s much easier to make friends.

You moved from Murten to Bern, and you now live in Ticino. All this for languages?
Yes. I wanted to discover Italian-speaking Switzerland. It is difficult to find a job in Ticino due to the large number of cross-border workers.

At the same time, I give language courses and I am currently thinking of creating an online platform for language learning.

You speak thirteen languages, ten of which are conversational. What is your secret?
Above all, it is difficult work. People who only speak their native language think that we polyglots have some sort of magical talent and that knowledge of languages ​​is almost a given to us.

Isn’t that the case?
No. To say that it is easy to maintain your level in so many languages ​​or to learn new ones would be a lie. It takes time and requires a lot of perseverance.

Which ones?
In principle, I don’t put much emphasis on grammar at the beginning. I have developed five points that I pass on to my students. First, a list of the two hundred most important words, which I established with another polyglot. These words are relatively non-specific.

An example?
If I want to learn a new language, I need to know what, for example, “animal” or “plant” means. I don’t need to know how to say “deer” or “tulip.” Even if I want to talk about a lake or a river, I just need to point at it and say “water”. People will understand me.

Is this list of 200 words just made up of nouns?
No, it also contains adjectives and prepositions, as well as the 30 most important verbs: “to have”, “to go”, “to be”, etc.

To be able to use these verbs, you must still teach their conjugation.
Yes, but only the basic structure. Irregular conjugation is not yet very important. If someone says: “I put that” or “I took this object”, it is certainly false, but we understand it. So, we very quickly reach a point where we can make ourselves understood. Gaps can be filled later. If we focus on specific words and correct grammar, we quickly become overwhelmed and lose the pleasure of learning.

What is the second point of your strategy?
Besides the 200 words, there are fifteen areas that are also worth learning early. These include the weather or directions, for example how to get to the station.

And the third?
We must strive to diversify. It is not enough to read. Speaking, writing and above all listening allow you to move forward faster and further.

This allows you to develop sensitivity passively.

What podcasts do you recommend?
Anything. Any topic that interests you. Sport, lifestyle, politics. This is the fourth point I insist on. It seems necessary to me to cultivate one’s interests in the foreign language as well. And I try to practice each of the languages ​​that interest me every week, if possible. This morning it was Dutch’s turn, and I had an Italian article about party life in Lugano translated online into Dutch, which I was planning to read anyway. This way, language learning feels less like extra effort – and fits better into everyday life.

What is the last important point?
Very important: keep it simple. Accept mistakes. For my part, “Bärndütsch” was very complicated to learn. I have long spoken a strange mix between German and Swiss German. People in Murten looked at me strangely and answered me in standard German. You have to go through that. Learning a language requires perseverance. You don’t have to stress yourself out. To succeed, I advise practicing a little at a time, but regularly.

Translated and adapted from German by Léon Dietrich

The news in Switzerland is here